Community Supervision Officer - Presentence Investigations

Description

Summary: Investigates and evaluates the criminal and social histories of offenders in order to provide information and recommendations to assist the Courts with sentencing decisions.

Duties & Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions: Interviews defendants, in office or at the jail; also interviews family members and others, the victims, law enforcement personnel, previous supervising probation officers. Compiles criminal histories; reviews offense reports and related information; verifies employment information; obtains pertinent psychological evaluations and medical records, etc. Evaluates risk and need factors; determines if defendant is appropriate candidate for probation and recommends conditions of probation. Evaluates offenders’ compliance with conditions of probation in the event of revocation proceedings and post sentencing report or update. Composes and types Pre-Sentence or Post Sentence Investigation Reports, in accordance with Unit Standards, Departmental Standards and Court expectations. Completes forms as required or necessary for special programs. Serves as Court Liaison for defendants; testifies in Court when required. Communicates with and advises Courts and District Attorney's Office regarding status of investigations, evaluation of defendants and recommendations. Maintains information in an appropriate and confidential manner as prescribed by law. Maintains current files. Attends and participates in staff meetings. Attends training sessions, educational seminars and workshops; fulfills continuing education requirements. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position.

Other Job Functions: Performs other job related duties as directed.

NOTE: The above describes the general nature and level of work being performed by employees holding this position. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required, nor is all duties listed necessarily performed by any one employee so classified.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree Required, no exceptions.
• Preferred Bachelors' Degree in behavioral sciences, sociology, criminal justice or related field approved by TDCJ-CJAD.
• If Bachelor's Degree is not in one of those fields, a Bachelor's Degree is still required, but the applicant must have one year of graduate study in an approved field

• If Bachelors' Degree is not in one of those fields, a Bachelor's Degree is still required, but the applicant must have one year of experience in full-time casework, counseling, community or group work approved by TDCJ-CJAD.

Specialized Requirements: Must complete course work and obtain through testing, certification as a Community Supervision Officer by CJAD of TDCJ, within one year of employment, if not certified; must maintain a valid Texas Drivers License.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Skills & Abilities: Strong verbal and written communication skills; typing skills; computer skills; excellent interpersonal skills in order to interact and cooperate with co-workers, deal effectively with defendants, victims, law enforcement agencies, jail personnel, District Attorney's Office, Judges and Court personnel, resource agencies, and the general public; effective counseling skills; leadership ability; problem solving skills: analytical abilities; familiar with the Texas Penal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure.

Work Situations/Demands/Efforts:

• Work requires regular and predictable attendance; availability for work from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. , Monday through Friday and for extra hours or late night (5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.) as needed; organizing; prioritizing; accuracy and attention to detail; working alone and as part of a group; flexibility in order to perform and coordinate a variety of duties; performing routine, repetitive duties; dealing with frequent deadlines; working in a stressful environment; dealing with criminal offenders; dealing with hazards of performing field work in high-crime areas; obtaining urine samples; occasional irregular hours; driving a vehicle; occasional out-of-town travel to attend educational seminars and training sessions.

• Employee works independently and in groups; solves problems; may interpret and apply policies and guidelines.

• Office duties are primarily sedentary but require some light work, including frequent walking, reaching, and pulling to deliver/retrieve files and paperwork, make copies, etc. Field visits require driving a vehicle and walking, often in high crime areas and potential exposure to criminal activities; appropriate precautions must be observed.

Working Conditions: Work is performed primarily in a climate controlled private office environment. While performing field work, employee may be subject to adverse weather and environmental conditions, physical and safety hazards while working in high crime areas, driving in traffic.

Physical Requirements: Work is primarily sedentary; duties require reaching, lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 10 lbs.; prolonged sitting to work at computer, walking; duties may require occasional to frequent loading, lifting, and carrying of file boxes weighing over 10 lbs.

We offer a complete benefits package to all full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short and long-term disability, prescription drug coverage, Employee Assistance Program, holidays, vacation, sick leave, and personal leave.